Maybe he kin tell yer something about the gal." Teddy determined to follow the trail by all means.

He partook of the morning meal with the trapper, exchanged a pleasant farewell, and then the two parted never to meet again.
The footprints were distinct and easily followed.

Teddy advanced with long, loping strides, at a gait considerably more rapid than his usual one.

He indulged in curious reveries as he followed it, fancying it to be an unfriendly Indian with whom a desperate collision must inevitably take place, or some friendly member of the tribe, of whom the trapper had told him, that would prove a boon companion to him.
All at once he reached a small, marshy tract, where the trail was much more palpable; and it was here that he either saw or fancied the toes of the footprints turned _outward_, thus demonstrating that, instead of an Indian, he was following a white man.
The Hibernian's heart throbbed at the thought that he was upon the track of the strange hunter, with all probability of overtaking him.
It caused his heart to throb violently to reflect how close he was upon the critical moment.

Drawing a deep breath and closing his lips tightly, he pressed on ready for the conflict.
The trail continued as distinct as ever, and the pursuit suffered no interruption until it entered a deep swamp into which Teddy hesitated to enter, its appearance was so dark and forbidding.